Recommend your Florida city?

[sbpebbles]

so my friend and I are starting to do research on different cities in Florida that would be best for all of us (she has a 12 yr old son and I have a 7 yr old daughter and soon to be 1 year old son)..we want a place with low crime, yeah I realize no matter where you go you will ALWAYS have a certain degree of it, something with GOOD school system (my daughter has a learning disability) but also someplace where the rent won't kill us..I do realize we will have to pay more rent than we do here in WI (in Madison a 2 bedroom rents about $900 a month, more closer to the center of town and less further out you go)...We want a city with job availability in office fields and hospitality fields..and NO we are not looking to BUY a house..we would need to rent..I'm hoping at least a few ppl would be able to give me some recommendations of their cities or of a city they think would be a good fit so we can do more research into it..We're just getting our feet wet with this process so any help would be much appreciated! I'm trying to convince my friend to move with me so the more good stuff I can tell her the better lol..TIA

 

[Luv2Scrap]

Sorry, I can't help you, but I'm interested to see the responses as well.

 

[sbpebbles]

anyone????

 

[RadioNate]

Well, I'm usually Debbie Downer on these threads.

Florida has a horrible economic climate now. There aren't any jobs and the few that exist are very low paying. The state is nearing 11% unemployment.

My house has declined 38% in REAL value from when I bought it. The good news for you is that there are rentals everywhere.

Business here are closing left and right. You'll go to a restaurant and try to go back 2 weeks later and it'll be closed.

Here, central Florida, the more touristy malls are ok but the others have tons of empty store fronts.

If you have a good job where you live, I'd really reconsider holding off on FL for a while.

Sorry.

 

[Savsmommy]

Well I live in the West Palm Beach area. I've lived here for 25 years. We are 5 minutes from the beach. 2 1/2 hours south of Disney. I have 2 children who go to an A rated public school. Were a big city so we have almost every restaurant/store you can name. We love it here. You would be able to find a 2 bedroom for about $1000 month here.

 

[DMickey28]

Medical field is everywhere but I am not sure about office jobs.

I'd recommend the West Palm Beach/Boyton Beach/Delray Beach and Boca Raton area. We just moved from there and while I hated living in Florida, it was a nice area. The schools in those areas are good, can't beat the weather, the rents are decent but I am not sure about jobs.

I have friends further south in Ft. Lauderdale and the spouses have a heck of time getting simple office jobs and admin. type jobs. I think healthcare is still booming down there though.

 

[Plumeria]

I do not, repeat DO NOT recommend Southwest Florida.

Look elsewhere if you want to live away from lunatics. That's all I'm gonna say...

 

[Golf4food]

I do not, repeat DO NOT recommend Southwest Florida.

Look elsewhere if you want to live away from lunatics. That's all I'm gonna say...

Most all of whom probably are originally from out of state and not natives... I'm just sayin'...



OP: Perhaps check St. Johns County in the NE part near St. Augustine/south of Jacksonville. Lots of people move out of Jacksvonille down to St. John's County because of their better school system, lower crime, lower taxes, less crowded, etc.

 

[KristinBelle]

Lake County

 

[SNylund]

Medical field is everywhere but I am not sure about office jobs.

I'd recommend the West Palm Beach/Boyton Beach/Delray Beach and Boca Raton area. We just moved from there and while I hated living in Florida, it was a nice area. The schools in those areas are good, can't beat the weather, the rents are decent but I am not sure about jobs.

I have friends further south in Ft. Lauderdale and the spouses have a heck of time getting simple office jobs and admin. type jobs. I think healthcare is still booming down there though.

Hi, what is the rent availability in those areas, we are moving as well and are interested in renting. We were hoping to get a decent house or condo, close or on the beach if possible. Our rent is around $1500 to $3000 a month is what we can do, is this possible? Or are we better off getting a nicer house or condo away from the beach for a cheaper price? OR are there tons of options on renting in FL now with endless possibilities? Thanks

 

[eeyore65]

We live in Boca and love it. That being said - I don't think the public elementary schools are that good - but I have been impressed with what they have done with the middle and high schools. They seem to be taking a top down approach. I do think it is an expensive area to live in and the wages don't keep up. The retirees support the economy, not the working people. But there are tons of medical opportunities from those retirees.

Boca has no houses on the ocean - so you cannot buy or rent that. There are condos - but they are very expensive. There are some nearby beach communities - we live in one of them. But a very small older house will sell for $500-700,000 and someone will knock it down and build a new one. Rental would be $3-4,000 per month - I would guess. Nearby beach is VERY desirable and these areas have not experienced the depreciation that you hear about in other nearby areas.

You can get much more for your money going out West where housing and apartments are plentiful.

Happy to answer more questions. I do love it here!

 

[Plumeria]

Most all of whom probably are originally from out of state and not natives... I'm just sayin'...

That is absolutely true. All the crazies from every state come here. The drivers are horrendous.

 

[sbpebbles]

I just want a place with decent rent prices and must have GOOD ELEMENTARY schools...that is not something I can compromise on..I think my friend might be a lil leary of moving to any place close to the ocean for fear of the hurricanes...Keep the cities coming..thanks everyone

 

[Rora]

I grew up in the Boca Raton/ Boynton Beach/ Delray Beach area and think it's a WONDERFUL place to raise a family. They have some great schools, nice malls, decently afforadable housing, etc. The only downside- LOTS OF ELDERLY PEOPLE WHO SHOULDN'T BE DRIVING.

I went to college in Gainesville which is in N. Fla. Home to the GATORS!! It's a lovely area too. Cooler weather, pretty trees, looks nothing like South Florida and is very close to WDW! There are pretty good job opportunities thanks to the University being so close. The only thing is it's rather rural and the town is a traditional college down.

If you want more info about either of these areas, PM me!

 

[babycakes01]

Check out the West Melbourne area; police and fire fighters love it-A plus schools and a nice area to raise a family.

 

[vettechick99]

I lived in Gainesville and loved it. Great culture, good cost of living, nice people, and you can become fans/students of UF!

Oh, and WDW is just over 90 minutes away!!!